New Music 7/23/2010 'Miike Snow'

With August looming ever so close, I am starting to panic here. I do NOT want summer to end!!! I feel like I'm trying to pack as much fun as possible into these last few weeks, and while we've been extremely busy it's been so great. So I haven't had tons of time to post on the blog even though there's definately a lot of catching up to do!! I'll get to it eventually!!!

I got a lot of positive feedback from last week's music review for Hey Champ's 'Star.' So glad you all like it and that people actually read this blog!!! This week I'm thrilled to review an amazing trio out of Sweden called Miike Snow. No, the two ii's are not a typo. Two i's are better than one maybe?? Sweden must put something in their water because it would be damn near impossible for me to list all of the insane talent that's come out of that country in the past few years. Some of my faves being The Cardigans, Robyn (little bro just got to see her live at Pitchfork last week), Peter Bjorn & John and The Hives..... just to name a few. This particular Swedish trio consists of Christian Karlsson, Pontus Winnberg and Andrew Wyatt. Karlsson and Winnberg (under the name Bloodshy & Avant) have written and produced hits for Madonna, J Lo, Jordin Sparks, Kylie Minogue and Britney Spears who even won a grammy for the song 'Toxic.'



I am still amazed at how this group has managed to stay under the radar since their album 'Dig' came out in 2009. Not sure if it's getting a ton of club play because it's been awhile since I've been to da clubs!!! I've read a few other reviews of this album and most of them weren't so great. But music is in the ear of the listener just as beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so I suppose you either like it or you don't. As far as I am concerned Miike Snow's falsetto vocals, synth and electronic beats makes for a highly enjoyable album. It's the perfect mix of chill and upbeat.... my personal favorites being 'Song For No One' and 'Cult Logic' (both perfect summer tunes) Here are a couple of videos I couldn't add to the playlist from the 'Dig' album.

'A Horse Is Not A Home'


'Sans Soleil'


'In Search Of' - might sound familiar if you've heard the Crookers 'Remedy' - I believe this is a remake of that song....


'Dig' is definately the soundtrack for a summer that's winding down..... meloncholy yet driven. It's been a great summer so far and I hope to get the most out of what's left of it!!! Happy listening!!

New Music 7/15/2010 'Hey Champ'

I should really be doing the dishes right now, but instead I thought I'd take the time to update this blog. The dishes aren't going anywhere right? It's been quite awhile since I've written about new music and I am so excited to be able to write about Hey Champ's new album!!!!



'Star' just came out two days ago and I think I've listened to it at least a bajillion times since then. My younger brother introduced me to Hey Champ about a year ago when they only had a couple of singles out. We were in the city for the Keane concert. Hey Champ was playing at a bar near my brother's place, so we met him there for some drinks. Pete, the keyboard player, actually used to be the roommate of one of his buddies so he sort of knows him.... sorry, a little name dropping there. Pete is ridiculous on synth though. So awesome. Anyways, we got to see them play which was amazing.



Saam Hagshenas (vocals, lead guitar, keys), Jon Marks (drums, vocals, keys) and Pete (Pete!!!!!) Dougherty (keys, synth) are just a bunch of midwest guys from Rockford, IL. Proteges of the super famous Lupe Fiasco, these guys have been hitting it hard writing and touring all over the US. Their first single 'Cold Dust Girl' has been in my rotation for awhile and the video was recently featured on MTV's Buzzworthy Blog. You cannot listen to that song and keep standing still. It's impossible. In fact, the entire album is highly danceable. But underneath all of the hypnotic electro-rock beats and fab 80s inspired synth, there is a pretty intense theme and message to 'Star.' Some of the lyrics are less than uplifting, but then again so are a lot of things going on in the world right now. If I had to pick a favorite track, I would say it's 'Word = War.' "My word is my war. So lay down your sword. Cuz you'd be ill advised to fight anymore." It's about words being used as weapons. And of course I love 'Cold Dust Girl' and 'Face Control.' And 'Neverest' and 'Shake.' Okay, wait. I guess I can't pick a favorite!!!

I decided instead of posting a bunch of vids I would just put all of their songs on my playlist so you can listen to it all the way through. I am going to post some videos for some of the remixes they've done because they are really, really great at remixes too. In fact, they'll be playing at the Lolla Remix Throwdown in Chicago on August 1st so go check them out! For now, enjoy the album from start to finish on my playlist and here are a few amazing remixes......

'Beaches and Friends' by French Horn Rebellion - Hey Champ Remix - this is pure summer right freakin here


'Beatbox' by The Sounds - Hey Champ Remix


'Cooler Than Me' by Mike Posner - Hey Champ Remix


'Little Secrets' by Passion Pit - Hey Champ Remix


'What You Need' by Priors - Hey Champ Remix


'Say No' by Moneypenny - Hey Champ Remix


'Call On Me' by Andy Bell - Hey Champ Remix


So after some relentless touring, a label change and lots of hype, I'm happy to say that 'Star' is no let down. I predict big things from this band out of Rockford!!! So buy the album, tell your friends and tell them to tell their friends!!! You can download 'Star' here for only $5.99 http://www.heychamp.com/home Your ears and hips will thank you!!!!